It’s a great time of year! People are getting together with their friends and family to celebrate and have fun. Many people also bring their pets along when they travel during the holidays.
Having your furry friends with you during the holidays can make the season even better. But if you’re traveling with pets, it’s important to avoid making mistakes that could cause problems.
Whether you’ve traveled with your pets before or it’s your first time, these tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
1. Make Reservations Early
It would be really upsetting if your holiday plans got messed up before you even left home! If you’re going to travel by plane, train, or rental car, make sure to book your tickets early.
Make it clear to the airline or rental car company that you’re bringing a pet with you. Each company has different rules about pets, so make sure you understand what you need to do and how much it will cost.
It’s the same with rental cars. Every company has different rules about pets, so make sure you know what they are before you rent a car. Keep a record of your conversation with them in case there are any problems later.
Think carefully about where you’ll stay during your holiday. Staying with friends or family might be an option, but make sure they’re okay with your pet staying, too.
Booking a pet-friendly place to stay gives you and your pet a comfortable and quiet space to relax during the holiday craziness. It could be the best gift you give yourself and your pet this holiday season.
2. Manners Matter
It’s no fun when your pet’s behavior causes problems. If your dog keeps digging through the trash, barking, or jumping on people, you’ll spend your time trying to stop them instead of enjoying your time with family and friends.
Review your pet’s basic training before you go to ensure good behavior and impress your hosts.
3. Hit The Road
During the holidays, there are more cars on the road, which means more accidents can happen. To keep your pet safe and yourself safe, it’s crucial to make sure your pet is securely in a carrier, crate, or seat belt harness while you’re driving.
Start getting your pet used to their carrier or harness well before your trip to make sure they’re comfortable during the ride.
4. Avoid Spoilage
During the holidays, pets often eat things they shouldn’t. Foods like chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, and alcohol are dangerous for dogs. It’s best to stick to their usual food and treats to avoid any stomach problems.
Even if you’re careful, pets can still eat something harmful. In case of illness or injury, bring your pet’s vet records with you. Print the latest vaccination records instead of carrying a big file and save the rest on a USB drive.
5. Lost And Found
It’s scary to imagine, but pets can escape in just a moment. Remind guests to be careful when coming in and out of the house. Make sure your phone number is on your pet’s ID tags.
Consider microchipping your pet before you travel, and keep a recent photo in case you need to make missing posters.
